Abstract :
Objective: To assess and compare the prevalence and risk for eating disorders (ED) among
middle and late adolescents in India.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study conducted among 1855 adolescents of age group
14 years to 19 years from four schools and three colleges in Mangalore city. A standardized
structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the subjects’ attitude toward and
preoccupation with food, dieting, eating, physical appearance, and personal control over
eating. Eating Attitudes Test questionnaire (EAT-26), consisting of 26 questions that assess
the symptoms and concerns that are characteristic of eating disorders and four additional
questions to asses weight control behavior patterns adapted. Participants who scored 20 and
above on EAT were considered to have eating disorder that would require professional
attention.
Keyword :
Eating disorder, Adolescents, Eating attitude test